THE STADIUM lights blurred as Leslie Henley Trussler raced down the runway, her heart hammering a counterpoint to the roaring crowd. The wind whipped past, whispering doubts such as “too fast” and “not strong enough.” But she ignored them, gripping the pole tighter. A surge of determination coursed through her. This wasn’t just any jump — this was history. A single, powerful push sent her skyward, and the bar represented a taunting target above. For a breathless moment, she hung suspended. The world was a dizzying kaleidoscope below. Then, with a triumphant cry, she cleared the bar, becoming the first woman at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville ever to do so.
She landed with a satisfying thud, and the adrenaline slowly receded. The thrill of defying gravity was intoxicating, but a different kind of challenge awaited her off the field. The injuries she sustained during years of pushing her body to its limits prompted a new passion for physical therapy, and the familiarity and invigoration of reaching new heights on and off the ground led her to pursue aviation.
Trussler isn’t your average mom or business professional. By day, she’s a dedicated physical therapist, helping her clients to regain their strength. But when she’s not at the clinic she directs, STAR Physical Therapy, you might find her soaring through the skies as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and helicopter pilot.
Trussler’s passion for healing stems from her inspiring mother, a registered nurse who left a lasting impact on the community. And even though her mother has since died, her legacy still impacts the community today.
“She would come home with stories that melted my heart as well as various comical events with the children in the school system,” Trussler began. “I still hear stories from the community of the impact she made in so many lives.”
Witnessing her mother’s dedication sparked Trussler’s desire to make a difference. Injuries obtained as a track and field athlete at the University of Tennessee (UT) in the 1990s led her to the world of physical therapy. It was there, at UT, that she learned how to turn her pain into passion. Fueled by her interest in the human body and sports performance, Trussler earned her doctorate of physical therapy from Belmont University, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine.
However, another passion was waiting to take flight. Inspired by her older brother, Brett Henley, a pilot and certified flight instructor, Trussler discovered aviation. She became his first student pilot in 2013.
“I immediately fell in love with aviation. This was not only an exhilarating experience to fly a plane but also a very challenging process to become a pilot. You never stop learning new things,” Trussler expressed.
The thrill of flying a plane transformed quickly into a desire to share the joy with others. Trussler became a CFI, specializing in helicopters, known for demanding yet rewarding flight dynamics.
Managing a successful physical therapy clinic and meeting the demands of CFI training might seem daunting, but Trussler thrives on the challenge.
“I get to help people in both areas and I feel this is what God has called me to do.”
STAR Physical Therapy helps the community heal and offers employment opportunities.
“We employ more certified athletic trainers (ATCs) than any other company across Tennessee. This provides service to our student high school athletes in keeping them healthy on and off the athletic fields.”
Her passions go beyond her professional pursuits. As a mother of two boys, Jett and Tripp, Trussler coaches their sports teams, emulating her mother’s impact on countless young lives. Trussler has a heart that continually seeks to give back to the community that helped her become who she is today. She serves on various boards and champions initiatives that make Manchester a better place. Her passion for her community is evident in her work on the Manchester Chamber of Commerce board, the Unity Hospital board, the We Care board, and the Manchester Recreation Center board.
Trussler’s journey is particularly inspiring for young women interested in aviation, a traditionally male-dominated field. She has a unique perspective as the first female pole vaulter at UT in the 1990s. She spent years shattering stereotypes to become an NCAA Division One All-American, SEC Champion, and a national pole vault record holder in 1998.
“The sky is the limit,” she advised. “This is definitely a male-dominated field, but more and more women are becoming pilots every day. Set your goals high, and don’t stop until you achieve them.”
Looking ahead, Trussler plans to continue her work at STAR Physical Therapy and share her love of flying as a CFI. Her son, Jett, recently became her student pilot, creating a full-circle moment that proves to Trussler that her legacy has just begun. By nurturing both her passions — healing bodies and soaring through the skies — Trussler has become an integral part of our community and the world at large. GN
